May: Days of US, UK Intervening in Sovereign Countries Are Over

BELGRADE – The British prime minister says the United Kingdom and the United States must not intervene in other sovereign countries’ affairs in an attempt to “remake the world in our own image.”

Theresa May told a meeting of Republican lawmakers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Thursday that the “days of Britain and America intervening in sovereign countries in an attempt to remake the world in our own image are over.”

However, she insisted that the two powers should still lead the world and take on “new global challenges,” including the Syrian crisis and the fight against the Daesh (ISIL) terrorist group.

“This cannot mean a return to the failed policies of the past. But nor can we afford to stand idly by when the threat is real and when it is in our own interests to intervene,” she said.

“We must be strong, smart and hard-headed. And we must demonstrate the resolve necessary to stand up for our interests,” she added.

The British premier congratulated the Republican Party on its election victories in November, particularly Donald Trump’s triumph in the presidential election, saying it came in defiance of “pundits and polls.”

“Because of this, because of what you have done together, because of that great victory you have won, America can be stronger, greater, and more confident in the years ahead,” she said.

“And a newly emboldened, confident America is good for the world,” May argued.

She received a standing ovation when she pledged her commitment to the “special relationship” between London and Washington.

May told Republicans that like them she is also a conservative and believes in transferring power to the people, wooing GOP lawmakers ahead of her meeting with President Trump on Friday at the White House.

She will become the first foreign leader to meet with the US president following his inauguration last week.